Sonakshi Sinha may be dealing with “reverse nepotism” in her latest film System, but the actress says she never experienced anything similar in her real life despite being the daughter of veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha.In Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s courtroom drama on Prime Video India, Sonakshi plays a young lawyer and daughter of a reputed advocate, portrayed by Ashutosh Gowariker. In the film, her father challenges her to win 10 back-to-back cases as a public prosecutor before she can become a partner at his law firm.At one point, her character even asks, “What is this reverse nepotism?”However, speaking to SCREEN, Sonakshi shared that her real-life equation with her father has been far more encouraging and supportive.
‘He’s always had my back’
Talking about the freedom she received growing up, Sonakshi Sinha said her father always allowed her to make her own choices.“My father has always given me the freedom to choose my path, right since when I was studying fashion designing. That was the path I’d chosen for myself. Life chose another path for me. That’s a different story,” she said.The actress added that her father’s unwavering support has been one of her greatest strengths.“He’s always been a silent supporter. No matter what happens, he’ll have my back. To have that kind of strength and support from your father means a lot to a girl in today’s day and age.”
‘You go do your thing’
Unlike the demanding father figure portrayed in System, Sonakshi says Shatrughan Sinha has never been overly strict with her career decisions.Sharing the advice he gave her after she entered films, she recalled, “You go do your thing, and I know you’d do well.”Sonakshi admitted that those words gave her “wings” and confidence to move forward in her career independently.She also described her father as much softer than his larger-than-life public image suggests.“My dad is very soft. He looks tough and does all this ‘khamosh, vamosh, and all’, but he’s very soft,” she said with a laugh.
‘He tells me the honest truth’
At the same time, the actress said her father has never shied away from giving honest feedback whenever necessary.“He does tell me where it’s due. Everybody knows that about my father that he’s very honest and transparent, and he says it when he needs to say it. So, I always appreciate it when he comes to me with the honest, honest truth.”Despite both being part of the film industry, Sonakshi and Shatrughan Sinha have only appeared together onscreen once — in the song “Rafta Rafta Medley” from Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se.